when and how do you start asking for an elcs?

[peeapod]

i was reading on the thread about birth plans, but thought it best to start my own thread.

How do you, and at what point do you start to ask for and discuss the possibility of having an elective C section?

I'm not sure if i have a 'medical need' or not, as there is little information on what this actually means, so I know this is the first step, but im really not sure who and how and when I need to start the process.

I'm not wanting to discuss the reasons for/ against the decision on here, just the mechanics of who and how and when to ask for it?

If I was you I would speak to your GP and ask them to refer you to an Obstetrician. My GP did this as soon as I told her I was pregnant at 6 weeks pregnant. By the time I saw my Midwife at my Booking in Appointment (when I was 8 weeks pregnant) I had already received a letter from the hospital with an appointment to see the Consultant Obstetrician. My midwife has never had anything to do with any of my referrals. Just be honest with your GP about your wishes and what your worries are and ask to be referred so you can discuss an ELCS. He will then put all this information in his referral letter so the Obstetrician will already know what you want from him and that's half the battle sometimes.

I have a good mh therapist so i'l get their support. my gp knows nothing about the mh problems because of the lack of funding in the nhs iv had to go private. im already within consultant led care because of my underactive thyroid so at least i can speak to them directly.

This is a good thread, I had a emcs with my first then 3 vbac ( the last one I found very traumatic) this time I started unsure weather or not to go for a elcs littlepeapods c section thread helped make my mind up when I brought it up with the consultant initially I was quite early on he agreed it without having to explain myself, but then due to gestational diabetes I have been put under a different consultant and until last week iv only seen the head midwife who said it's unlikely I'll be given one as my blood sugar has to be monitored more closely this was a load of bull, I started to research gestational diabetes and c sections and yes I would havs to be monitored but I would also with vb, also I now found the risks of vb higher than c section and as I now had to be induced the likelihood of me needing a emcs would also increase so now it was a no brainer, I was having the c sec, so at my last appointmemt I requested I see the consultant not head midwife and he also was against c sec but I had my facts and every thing he tried to say I had an answer for! He then agreed at 36 weeks I will be given a date for c section. I had to fight it, even having a prev c section. I think if you are iinformed with facts and you can explain your reasoning to why you want one you will be successful in getting one, good luck hope you get what you want!